Friday, April 22, 2016

Prince was truly an original artist--a genius of music, and prescient in many ways. He also understood who he was as a black American, and he never let us forget it. As the tributes to his musical genius come pouring in, let us not forget that Prince was also a prince of shade and realness. His standards for musicality and realness were extremely high as well. May he truly rest in peace.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

At the League of Women Voters of Plainfield*candidate forum, held last week, I listened to all the candidates present as they spoke of their commitment to the school district--they also challenged Wilma Campbell on her more than a decade long tenure as a president/member, presiding overdeclining graduation rates, lack of textbooks, lack of transparency--with last-minute "walk-on" items, such as the shocking vote to move the election from November to April without any public input*--and what they viewed as mismanagement of public school funds. I think it's time for Wilma Campbell to go--it's time for new energy, new ideas, and a real vision for the district. I think it's time for new energy, new ideas, and a real vision for the district. I am supporting the team of Lynn Anderson, Dorien Hurtt, and Carmencita Pile for the board this year, and I hope that you will join me in voting for a fresh perspective! Please visit the league's website (CLICK HERE) for information on the candidates and their platform.

**When current members of the Plainfield Board of Education, led by Campbell, garnered enough votes to move the election, I was disappointed, because I knew that this would impact voter turnout and add significantly to the cost of the election--upwards of $115,000, according to the Municipal Clerk of Plainfield. I was further disappointed with the newly-restricted voting hours of 2:00 - 9:00 pm--this will surely suppress the vote. If the board thinks cost should not be an issue in moving the election, they should have at least ensured that there would be no voting restrictions. That said, I hope everyone realizes thatthe school board election this Tuesday, April 19, is crucialto the future of our children.

Best,

Rebecca

*I am a longstanding member of the LWV-Plainfield, and I served as time-keeper, along with member Rupert Crawford. The forum was moderated by a member of the State LWV, as per the organization's rules.